Textbook of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a global problem fueled
by the continuous use of tobacco in most countries, despite efforts at expanding
smoking cessation programs. Several advances in the diagnosis and treatment of
lung cancer were achieved in the past decade. This progress notwithstanding,
most lung cancer patients succumb to their illness, and few enjoy long-term
survival.

The authors have attempted to list the recent advances in
this concise, easy-to-read textbook, which is the official text of the
International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).

This textbook consists of 17 chapters covering various topics
on thoracic malignancies in a systematic fashion. The first 10 chapters provide
an overview of lung cancer, with respect to etiology, epidemiology, pathology,
diagnosis, and staging of the disease. This is followed by three chapters
dedicated to the treatment of small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer and
mesothelioma. The final four chapters discuss issues related to palliation,
complications, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. Two unique appendices
are also included: The first covers surgical techniques used in the management
of lung cancer, expanding on the subject of perioperative care and
complications, and the second provides a quick helpful reference to the most
commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in this disease.

Throughout, distinguished authors from the United States,
Europe, and Japan provide their analysis of the world literature regarding lung
cancer, crossing continental barriers and achieving a true unification of
visions. Despite the authors’ best efforts, however, some of the newest
advances in this field did not receive adequate discussion. Among the topics
that are insufficiently addressed are second-line therapy for non-small-cell
lung cancer and promising results in this disease with the use of targeted
therapy, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and anti-vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody.

Overall, the textbook has successfully compiled worldwide
experiences in the field of lung cancer. The book in fact manages to outline the
global vision on the subject rather than providing a skewed view of one country
or region. It represents a concise reference for anyone interested in expanding
his or her knowledge of this subject. It is hoped that the IASLC will continue
to assemble such textbooks, which reflect the international vision of this
organization and its members.